Pages

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Train Training

Dear Fellow New Yorkers:

I know this is a terrific city and that you’re a great bunch of folks, but your behavior in the subway (actually it’s just in the subway station) sometimes leaves a bit to be desired. Although you’d never know it to look at me, I don’t have a whole lot of depth perception and as a result, walking down a flight of stairs (or even two or three of them) without holding on to the banister is tough for me.

Therefore, I’d be extremely grateful if you would please refrain from:

Standing on the steps to text your friends.

Using the stairs to elevate you foot so you can tie your shoelace.

Stopping in the middle of the steps to have a conversation with a long lost buddy.

If you need to do any of those things, please wait until you’re at the bottom of the stairs and then step out of the flow of traffic. We’ll all thank you.

For those of you waiting in Penn Station for a train to the ‘burbs, I know there’s not a whole lot of seating there, but the steps aren’t chairs either. Please don’t use them to rest your tush while you eat a bagel, drink your coffee, use your iPad or just stare off into space while you wait. When you do these things, you create an unnecessary hazard for both of us since—unlike most people—I can’t just let go of the banister to go around you. And, besides, you’re going to be sitting on the train in a few minutes anyway, so what’s a little standing around until your track is posted?!

Thanks, everybody…much appreciated.

Enjoy your ride,
JanetheWriter

P.S. One more thing: For those of you who take the bus, might it be possible for you to dig out your MetroCard while you wait for the bus instead of when you're standing in front of the fare box holding up the rest of the line? Thanks!